The Press Box.

$50,000 Fine Against Flyers' Boss Believed To Be Nhl's Largest

May 05, 1999|By Mark Shapiro.

The National Hockey League fined Flyers Chairman Ed Snider $50,000 and coach Roger Neilson $25,000 for critical comments about the officiating during Philadelphia's 1-0 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.

Snider's fine is believed to be the largest ever assessed to an individual, the NHL said.

Snider angrily criticized referee Terry Gregson moments after the game, which was decided on a last-minute power-play goal. The loss eliminated the Flyers from the playoffs.

"The officiating in this league is a disgrace," Snider said. "He's trying to decide the game and he's a lousy . . . official.

"I understand I'm going to get fined, and I don't care how much. The truth is there."

- Investigators said Steve Chiasson's pickup truck was traveling 74 m.p.h. in a 55 zone when it crashed, killing the Carolina Hurricanes' defenseman. They confirmed that after a late Sunday night flight, Hurricanes players gathered before Chiasson went on the road. Police were awaiting blood-test results before commenting on whether alcohol played a role.

- The Vancouver Canucks' Markus Naslund had three goals as Sweden beat Switzerland 6-1 in Oslo to close in on the quarterfinals of the world championships.